Ursula Von Der Leyen’s Visit To The Philippines: Exploring Avenues In Renewed Partnership – Analysis

In 2023, President Ursula von der Leyen Visits the Philippines to Strengthen Bilateral Ties

In 2023, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, undertook a visit to the Philippines to enhance the bilateral ties between the European Union and the Philippines. The visit of President von der Leyen marked a significant milestone as the first visit by a President of the European Commission to the Philippines. Notably, this visit coincided with the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the European Union and the Southeast Asian nation.

Trade, Investment, Climate Change, and Human Rights Discussed During the Visit

• During her bilateral visit from July 30 to August 1, Ursula von der Leyen engaged in discussions with Marcos, including a range of topics of shared significance.
• These included trade, investment, climate change, human rights, regional security, and the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Additionally, she engaged in a discussion with the European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines and emphasized the prospects and obstacles associated with the green and digital transformations in both countries.

Bilateral Trade Volume Between EU and Philippines Shows Significant Growth

The bilateral trade volume between the EU and the Philippines in 2022 amounted to €18.4 billion. In 2021, the European Union’s foreign direct investment stock in the Philippines amounted to €13.7 billion. The bilateral trade volume between the EU and the Philippines had a notable growth of 32% in 2022, as compared to the preceding year of 2021. This significant rise may be attributed to the reestablishment of diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations. In July 2023, the EU and the Philippines expressed their mutual determination to recommence discussions about a free trade agreement (FTA).

This development has the potential to significantly enhance bilateral commerce and investment between the two entities. The European Union mostly exports machinery, transport equipment, chemicals, and food goods to the Philippines. Conversely, the Philippines predominantly exports telecommunications equipment, machinery, food items, and optical and photographic instruments to the EU. The Philippines benefits from improved trade advantages with the EU via the EU’s GSP+ initiative. This scheme provides the Philippines with the advantage of complete tariff elimination on around two-thirds of its product categories.

Collaboration on Climate Change and Geopolitical Significance

• The visit has bolstered collaboration and assistance from the EU in tackling the many obstacles presented by climate change in the Philippines.
• These problems include catastrophe risk reduction, adaptation, and mitigation strategies, as well as environmental preservation efforts.
• The Philippines is widely recognized as being most susceptible to the adverse effects of global warming.
• In recognition of this vulnerability, the Philippines has made a firm commitment to mitigate the implications of climate change by significantly reducing its emissions of greenhouse gases.
• Specifically, the country has set a target to achieve a substantial reduction of 75% in its greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2030.

The European Union and the Philippines exhibit a convergence of values and principles, including a commitment to a rules-based international order, the promotion of effective and sustainable multilateralism, and the advocacy for free and fair trade. The visit has geopolitical significance as it demonstrates the European Union’s keenness and active involvement in the Indo-Pacific region.

EU’s Endorsement of Philippines’ Sovereignty and Security

Additionally, it signifies the EU’s endorsement of the Philippines’ sovereignty and security amidst China’s forceful actions in the South China Sea. The EU’s acknowledgment of the strategic significance and prospective partnership with the Philippines is evident in this demonstration. The EU has also conveyed its apprehension over China’s military buildup and use of force in the maritime sphere, as well as its readiness to collaborate with similarly inclined nations to safeguard the principle of unrestricted passage.

The visit highlights many geopolitical dimensions that demonstrate the European Union’s dedication to redefining its strategies and influence in the Indo-Pacific area. Additionally, it demonstrates the EU’s unity with the Philippines in addressing shared obstacles. The visit may potentially influence China’s forceful behavior in the South China Sea, but it is improbable that it will fundamentally alter the dynamics of the ongoing issue. China may also have a vested interest in mitigating the likelihood of attracting further scrutiny and censure from the global community, particularly from the United States and its allied nations.

Foreign Policy Shift and Collaboration with Allied Nations

These countries have notably bolstered their involvement and support for the Philippines and other parties involved in territorial claims inside the South China Sea. Furthermore, this action serves as an indication that the Philippines is steadfast in its commitment to retain its sovereign rights and interests in the South China Sea while simultaneously pursuing a peaceful and legitimate settlement. The Philippines has reaffirmed its support of the 2016 arbitral decision, which rendered China’s claims invalid, and has expressed concern over China’s actions and presence in the disputed maritime areas.

The aforementioned visit does not conclusively demonstrate Marcos Jr.’s inclination towards the European Union, Western nations, or the United States. However, it shows that he is pursuing a foreign policy that is more pragmatic compared to that of his predecessor, Duterte. He has acknowledged the need to enhance the conventional defense capabilities of the Philippines and upgrade its military.

This endeavor also requires collaboration and support from the United States and other allied nations. Marcos Jr. has further endeavored to broaden the commercial and diplomatic ties of the Philippines with other nations and areas, including the European Union, Japan, Australia, India, and ASEAN. He also signed on to participate in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a trade agreement that encompasses several Western nations while excluding China. Additionally, he has expressed his support for the Global Gateway Strategy, an effort of the European Union aimed at building the infrastructure requirements of partner nations while simultaneously addressing pressing global issues such as climate change, healthcare systems, and the security of supply chains.

Reinforcing Partnership and Cooperation

The recent visit has served to reinforce the dedication of both parties to effectively execute the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA), which establishes an augmented legal structure for mutual collaboration in political, social, and economic domains. The aforementioned sectors have significant importance within the framework of the EU-ASEAN Strategic Partnership since they are crucial in fostering sustainable connectivity and facilitating regional integration.

Establishing New Avenues for Trade and Investment

The purpose of Von der Leyen’s visit was to invigorate the alliance between the EU and the Philippines, which is founded upon mutual values and interests. This visit

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • Target 8.1: Sustain per capita economic growth in accordance with national circumstances and, in particular, at least 7% gross domestic product growth per annum in the least developed countries
   • Indicator 8.1.1: Annual growth rate of real GDP per capita

2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all
   • Indicator 9.1.1: Proportion of the rural population who live within 2 km of an all-season road

3. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries
   • Indicator 13.1.2: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning into primary, secondary, and tertiary curricula
   • Indicator 13.1.3: Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic, and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation, and technology transfer
   • Indicator 13.1.4: Number of countries that have developed and operationalized national financing strategies to support the implementation of adaptation and mitigation actions

4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all
   • Indicator 16.3.1: Proportion of victims of violence in the previous 12 months who reported their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized mechanisms

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Analysis

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   The article discusses the bilateral trade volume between the EU and the Philippines, highlighting the growth in trade and investment. This aligns with SDG 8, which aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.

   The specific target under SDG 8 that can be identified is Target 8.1, which focuses on sustaining per capita economic growth. The article mentions the growth in bilateral trade volume between the EU and the Philippines, indicating progress towards this target.

   The indicator mentioned in the article is Indicator 8.1.1, which measures the annual growth rate of real GDP per capita. While the article does not provide specific data on this indicator, it implies economic growth through the increase in trade volume between the EU and the Philippines.

2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   The article mentions the discussion of prospects and obstacles associated with green and digital transformations in both countries during the visit. This aligns with SDG 9, which aims to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.

   The specific target under SDG 9 that can be identified is Target 9.1, which focuses on developing quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure. The article mentions the potential enhancement of bilateral commerce and investment between the EU and the Philippines, indicating progress towards this target.

   The indicator mentioned in the article is Indicator 9.1.1, which measures the proportion of the rural population who live within 2 km of an all-season road. While the article does not provide specific data on this indicator, it implies the need for infrastructure development to support economic development and well-being.

3. SDG 13: Climate Action

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   Source: eurasiareview.com

    

   

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